Job 23:5
I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.
Original Language Analysis
אֵ֭דְעָה
I would know
H3045
אֵ֭דְעָה
I would know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
1 of 7
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
מִלִּ֣ים
the words
H4405
מִלִּ֣ים
the words
Strong's:
H4405
Word #:
2 of 7
a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic
יַעֲנֵ֑נִי
which he would answer
H6030
יַעֲנֵ֑נִי
which he would answer
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
וְ֝אָבִ֗ינָה
me and understand
H995
וְ֝אָבִ֗ינָה
me and understand
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
4 of 7
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
Historical Context
Job's quest for divine communication occurs in a pre-Mosaic context without written Scripture or prophetic tradition as Israel would later know. Ancient wisdom literature across the Near East explored how deities communicate with humans—through dreams, omens, or intermediaries. Job's direct approach—wanting unmediated words from God—reflects extraordinary faith in divine accessibility and willingness to engage human questions.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Job's longing to hear God's words teach about the priority of divine revelation over human speculation?
- How should we balance accepting mystery in suffering with Job's legitimate desire for understanding?
- In what ways has Christ's incarnation—the Word made flesh—answered Job's longing for divine communication?
Analysis & Commentary
I would know the words which he would answer me—Job craves divine explanation, not just relief from suffering. The verb yada (יָדַע, to know) means intimate, experiential knowledge beyond mere intellectual information. Job wants to understand God's reasoning, confident that divine wisdom would vindicate rather than condemn him. What he would say unto me emphasizes personal communication—Job seeks 'I-Thou' encounter, not abstract theological propositions.
This longing for divine self-disclosure anticipates Scripture's progressive revelation. Job lived before Sinai, before prophets, before incarnation—yet he intuitively understood that knowing God's words brings clarity to human confusion. The New Testament fulfills this: the Word (Λόγος, Logos) became flesh (John 1:14), and through Christ we hear God's ultimate answer to suffering. Job's desire for God's words finds completion in Jesus, who reveals the Father's character and purposes.